CAPTAIN TRIPS (1st Session - Sep, 2014)

SUMMARY
This beer is GOOD. 

Considering its extreme simplicity this brew turned out quite nicely. In the future I'd like to add more malt for a higher beer-to-cider ratio (this recipe was 3:7, next time I'll aim for 2:3 or maybe even 1:1). I had considered using a higher ratio right off, but the popularity of Brandon O's recipe pressured me to stick to a cider dominated mix.

RECIPE
Grains (1.85lbs)
     .75 lbs Crystal 120
     .50 lbs Special B
     .25 lbs Smoked Malt
     .25 lbs Roasted Barley
     .10 lbs Chocolate Wheat
Fermentables (1.85lbs)
     3.0 lbs Amber DME
     1.0 lbs Clover Honey (or Buckwheat)
Hops (15.0 AAUs)
     7.0 AAUs Cluster (1 oz | 7%)
     8.0 AAUs Perle (1 oz | 8%)
Yeast (1 Packet of Either)

Wyeast 1056 - American Ale

(Medium/Low | 73-77% | 60-72°F)

Misc

Pectinase

2.5 gal Apple Cider

1.0 gal Apple Juice

BREW NOTES

Incredibly straight forward given that this was an extract brew. Simply steep, boil, combine with cider, and pitch yeast.

FERMENTATION NOTES

Again, nothing of note

     

TASTING NOTES
Initial Taste (6 weeks)

- Apple flavor dominates
- Apple juice seems to have added more apple flavor rather than tartnesss
- Flavors are rather sharp
- Carbonation could be higher 
Second Taste (6 months)
- Much smoother flavor profile
- Still quite 'apple-y'
- Would like a more champagne like fizz
Final Taste (12 months)
- Much improved overall
- Flavors have been balanced overall, but apple flavors are the most showcased
- A complex spiciness has emerged, adding a lot of depth to the beer
- Carbonation has not increased since last sampling

LESSONS LEARNED
Trust your gut (especially on fake beers)
I should have gone with my gut and used less cider